Shaquille O’Neal, commonly known as Shaq, is a former professional basketball player from the United States celebrated for his remarkable career in the NBA. Born on March 6, 1972, in Newark, New Jersey, Shaq’s physical presence was imposing at 7 feet 1 inch tall and 325 pounds, making him one of the most dominant centers the game has ever seen.
Throughout his 19-year career, he played for six teams, notably the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat, with whom he won a total of four NBA championships. Shaq’s list of accolades is extensive, including being named the NBA Rookie of the Year in the 1992–93 season, winning the NBA Most Valuable Player Award for the 1999–2000 season, and securing three Finals MVP Awards.
After hanging up his basketball shoes, Shaq didn’t just fade away from the public eye. He seamlessly transitioned into a sports analyst, contributing his insights on “Inside the NBA.” Beyond basketball, O’Neal has made a name for himself in acting, music, television, and philanthropy, showcasing his versatile talents and interests outside of the sports world.
Do you also want to know if Shaq had cheated on his wife or not? Then read the article and you will be able to grab all the information about his wife and if she was cheated or not.
Shaq O’Neal Wife
As per the reports, Shaquille O’Neal, the basketball legend, has been married twice. His first marriage was to Arnetta Yardbourgh, with whom he shares a daughter, Taahirah. Following this, Shaq married Shaunie O’Neal, who is well-known from the reality TV show “Basketball Wives.”
Their marriage lasted nine years, during which they had four children: Shareef, Amirah, Shaqir, and Me’arah. Additionally, Shaunie brought her son Myles from a previous relationship into the family, and Myles later adopted the O’Neal surname.
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Is Shaunie O’Neal Shaq O’Neal’s Ex-Wife?
Yes, Shaunie is Shaq’s ex-wife. Shaunie and Shaq O’Neal parted initially in 2009 and then reunited for a while to finally part ways by finalizing their divorce in 2011. Shaunie moved on and remarried pastor Keion Henderson in 2022, opening a new chapter in her life.
What made Shaq and Shaunie Part Ways?
Shaquille O’Neal has openly reflected on the reasons behind his divorce from Shaunie O’Neal, attributing the end of their marriage largely to his own actions. In a candid podcast interview, Shaq expressed regret over his conduct during their marriage, admitting that he was at fault and describing Shaunie as “awesome” while he was “bad.”
He acknowledged failing to uphold the vows they made and admitted to leading a “double life,” along with making irreparable mistakes. Despite Shaunie holding up her end of the relationship, Shaq took full responsibility for their separation.
The couple, who divorced in 2011 after nine years of marriage and sharing five children, have since managed to maintain a positive co-parenting relationship and friendship, demonstrating maturity and mutual respect in the aftermath of their personal challenges.
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Did Shaq Really Cheat on Shaunie?
Yes, Shaquille O’Neal admitted to cheating on his ex-wife Shaunie O’Neal. He openly discussed his infidelities in interviews and his autobiography, stating that he was responsible for the breakdown of their marriage.
How did Shaunie React after knowing about Shaq’s cheating?
When Shaunie O’Neal discovered Shaquille O’Neal’s infidelities, her reaction was notably strong and expressive. On the reality TV show “Basketball Wives,” Shaunie shared that upon finding evidence of Shaq’s affairs, she confronted the situation by damaging his vehicle and leaving pointed messages on its windshield, essentially highlighting Shaq’s betrayal with the words, “I cheat on my wife. I ain’t s***. With a knife.”
This vivid recounting of events underscores the depth of hurt and betrayal Shaunie felt at the time. Despite the intensity of these actions and emotions, both Shaunie and Shaq have managed to transition from this tumultuous period to a place of amicability, focusing on their roles as co-parents and maintaining a friendly relationship for the sake of their children after their divorce.
Shaq and Shaunie O’Neal: Children
Shaquille O’Neal and Shaunie O’Neal share four children: Shareef, Amirah, Shaqir, and Me’arah. In addition to these four, Shaunie has a son named Myles from a previous relationship.
Shaquille also has a daughter named Taahirah with Arnetta Yardbourgh, from a relationship prior to his marriage to Shaunie. This blended family reflects the complexities and connections that come with combining lives and families through relationships.
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FAQs
Who is Shaquille O’Neal?
Shaquille O’Neal, commonly known as Shaq, is a retired American professional basketball player, sports analyst, and entrepreneur. He is considered one of the greatest players in NBA history.
Who is Shaunie O’Neal?
Shaunie O’Neal is an American television personality and executive producer, best known for her involvement in the reality TV show “Basketball Wives.” She was previously married to Shaquille O’Neal.
How many children do Shaq and Shaunie O’Neal have together?
Shaq and Shaunie O’Neal have four children together: Shareef, Amirah, Shaqir, and Me’arah.
Do Shaq and Shaunie have children from other relationships?
Yes, Shaunie has a son named Myles from a previous relationship, and Shaq has a daughter named Taahirah with Arnetta Yardbourgh.
When did Shaq and Shaunie O’Neal get married and divorced?
Shaq and Shaunie O’Neal got married on December 26, 2002, and they officially divorced in 2011.
Why did Shaq and Shaunie O’Neal divorce?
The divorce was attributed to Shaquille O’Neal’s infidelities and other personal issues, for which Shaq has publicly expressed regret.
Have Shaq and Shaunie O’Neal remained on good terms after their divorce?
Yes, despite their past issues, Shaq and Shaunie have maintained a friendly relationship and co-parent their children together.
